Galentine’s Day, But Make It Pinay: 5 Filipina-American Brands That Will Elevate Your Celebration
Valentine’s Day is great and all, but Galentine’s Day? That’s where the real fun is! Usually celebrated on February 13, it can truly be celebrated any day, it’s the perfect occasion to honor the incredible women in your life—your fellow Pinays. And what better way to celebrate than by supporting Filipina-American owned brands that embody culture, empowerment, and style?
Galentine’s Day was first introduced in 2010 on the TV show Parks and Recreation when Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) gathered her best girlfriends for a brunch filled with waffles, heartfelt gifts, and love. What started as a fictional holiday quickly became a real-life tradition, with women everywhere embracing it as a day to celebrate friendship, sisterhood, and self-love.
This year, show love not just to your besties but also to Filipina-owned businesses that uplift our community. Whether you’re gifting, indulging, sipping, styling, or pampering, these brands will make your celebration unforgettable.
Here are five Filipina-American brands to make your Galentine’s Day extra special, meaningful, and uniquely Pinay.
@kasamarum - Tagay to Friendship
No girls’ night is complete without a toast! Kasama Rum, founded by Alexandra Dorda, is a premium seven-year-aged rum distilled from noble sugarcane in the Philippines. Aged in ex-bourbon American oak barrels, this smooth, sippable spirit bursts with tropical notes of pineapple, vanilla, and banana. Whether you're shaking up cocktails or perfecting your Pinay Colada, Kasama Rum brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of island magic to your celebration. Available at your local liquor store.
If you haven't explored their lifestyle collection yet, be sure to check out the 'Meryenda' cocktail napkin—even featuring one with banana ketchup—a fun and unique touch to complement your drinks!
@bahaykubo__ - The Perfect Gift That Gives Back
Looking for a thoughtful Galentine’s gift? Bahay Kubo, founded by Christina Nadin, is an accessories brand inspired by cherished moments with her mum, who always completed her outfits with oversized and elevated hair accessories. Just in time for Galentine’s, they’ve released the “Mahal” velvet scrunchie—a luxurious silk-blend piece designed for a secure, comfortable hold, even on the thickest hair. Plus, with every purchase, $1 is donated to Local Lab in the Philippines to support the artisanal Weaving Center in Siargao, making it a stylish gift that gives back.
@filipintabeauty - Self-Care, the Pinay Way
What’s Galentine’s without a little pampering? Filipinta Beauty, founded by Creative Director Hana Kirchoff, is a conceptual beauty brand that celebrates Pinay culture through makeup and self-care products. Their packaging is not only cute AF but also infused with cultural nostalgia—think banana ketchup lip gloss, sorbetes ice cream soaps, and their latest must-have, the “Harana Collection” box set. Filipinta Beauty lets you and your besties embrace your roots while expressing yourselves with fun, vibrant products that pay homage to Filipino heritage.
@cambio_co - Wear Your Heritage
Every girl loves jewelry, and Cambio & Co. makes it even more special. Co-founded by Elaine Santiago, this jewelry brand offers authentic, handcrafted accessories made by Filipino artisans in the Philippines. Each piece is a celebration of heritage and craftsmanship, making it a thoughtful addition to any collection. To make your Galentine’s Day even more memorable, Cambio & Co. has curated a stunning selection of jewelry perfect for Valentine’s —whether you’re gifting matching sets to your girls or treating yourself to the perfect statement piece for the celebration.
@theboiisco - Sweet Treats with a Pinay Twist
A celebration isn’t complete without dessert! Order from The Boiis Co., a mochi bakery based in New York City, co-founded by Rivy-Major Oponda. Known for their unique and delicious mochi-based desserts, they offer a variety of special products that can be purchased online to elevate your Galentine’s Day spread. If you're in NYC, stop by their bakery to pick up their seasonal specials, including a Basque Mochi Cheesecake with Chocolate Layer and Heart Strawberry Butter Mochi.
This Galentine’s Day, celebrate sisterhood, culture, and community with brands that empower and inspire. Whether you're toasting with Kasama Rum, indulging in Filipino-inspired beauty, or styling yourself with handcrafted jewelry, these Filipina-American brands will make your celebration unforgettable.
Filipino names are truly some of the most diverse names you’ll ever come across. Our last names alone can have Spanish influence, Chinese influence, and in some cases American influences due to the involvement of the U.S. during World War II.
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